New Bauhaus Museum; Weimar, Germany

International Competition for Weimar's New Bauhaus museum

The building proposal (3,455 sq. m) by 5+1AA Studio, featuring a suspended parallelepiped, is strategically positioned outside the outline of the Weimar Gauforum. This placement accentuates the building's presence while establishing a strong urban front that defines and encloses the new square, blending historical context with modern expression.

The goal is to create a dynamic public node that enhances the surrounding buildings and park, transforming the area into a unified urban space. This site aspires to be a vital link in Weimar's sequence of public spaces, connecting the large park to the west with the natural park to the east, enriching the city’s landscape.

As the Project Leader of this project at 5+1AA Studio, I led the development of the New Bauhaus Museum International Competition, focusing on harmonizing the building proposal with the city's layers and broader urban context. The approach aimed to create a comprehensive design framework that balanced aesthetic and functional elements from multiple perspectives—internally and externally, horizontally and vertically, and at both functional and human scales.

Sustainability influenced design decisions, shaping the selection of solutions to minimize external interventions while maximizing design efficiency. Emphasis was placed on adaptable spaces that support diverse cultural activities, ensuring the building remains a vibrant community hub. The interplay of light and shadow was thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience both inside the structure and in its interaction with the surroundings.

The project was selected from over 500 international entries to advance to the second phase of the competition, underscoring its innovative approach and architectural excellence (Credit: 5+1AA Studio, 2011).